ITANAGAR Feb 19: As part of awareness to the working class of the state, Nyamar Karbak,
Chairman Arunachal Pradesh Building & Other Constructions Workers Welfare Board distributed
solar lamps to the registered workers of the Board at Nirjuli on Feb 15 last.

Speaking on the occasion, Nyamar Karbak encouraged the workers to get them registered
with the Board. He also advised them to abstain from all the bad habits of drinking
alcohol, gambling etc. He further requested them to work dedicatedly towards all
round development of the state.

Nyamar also highlighted about the benefits being provided by the Board such as medical
assistance, death benefits etc.

Kenkar Yomcha, General Secretary, INTUC Pradesh Branch (AP) and Dana Tadu President
AAPLU also spoke on the occasion.

Election meeting held

AALO, Feb 19: An elaborate election meeting attended by HoDs, ADCs, EACs from entire
district was held under the chairmanship of West Siang district election officer
M K Sahoo at DC’s Conference Hall on February 18.

Convening his last meeting as Deputy Commissioner, Sahoo said that the meeting had
to be convened after relinquishing his charges as DEO of the district as circulars
were issued to all two weeks back. He exhorted the officers at different level to
gear up the election related tasks with full preparedness using their experiences
and wisdom. Election Commission has well set guidelines and all officers should go
with the rule books.

The incoming District Election Officer Pige Ligu in his address on the occasion said
that the continuity must go without any laxity as election is a national duty. He
appealed all election related officers to cooperate him as a well knit team unit
for conducting a free and fair election and for the over all development of the district.
DIPRO

DRDA employees reiterate demand

ITANAGAR, Feb 19: Reiterating its demand for absorption in the state government,
the All India DRDA Staff Welfare Association state unit has urged the government
to pay heed to the demand by February end.

In a release while warning of resorting to rigorous democratic movement till the
demand is met, it expressed that the state government despite its assurance to place
the demand for cabinet approval is still delaying the process.

Modi to address rally at Pasighat

ITANAGAR, Feb 19: BJP’s Prime Ministerial candidate and Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra
Modi would address the maiden “Vijay Sankalp Abhiyan” rally at Pasighat in East Siang
district on February 22. The rally will kick up election campaign for the Mission
272+in Arunachal Pradesh for the ensuing Lok Sabha election 2014.

Fire renders six boarders homeless

ITANAGAR, Feb 19: At least six tenants were rendered homeless when a major fire broke
out at the house of Kenter Tacha Bogum on February 15 evening.

The fire, which supposedly started with a candle lit by a child, engulfed household
items and properties of all the occupants, informed a release by Tacha Welfare Society.

ITANAGAR, Feb 19: Directorate of Census department, Govt. of Arunachal Pradesh,
conducted a one-day census data dissemination workshop for the students and teachers
of VKV Itanagar on February 18.

Bharati Chanda, Joint Director for Census – Assam and Arunachal Pradesh explained
the definition, objectives and uses of Census data for the progress of the country
on the occasion. She said, ‘Census is not merely a head counting, it gives valuable
information for planning and formulation of policies in 5-years plan and annual plan
of Central and State Govts. It is also widely used by scholars, business people,
industrialists, development workers and many more.

During her power point presentation she highlighted various data pertained to Arunachal
Pradesh. She appealed all the students, the future citizens of the nation to be aware
about the importance of census and share the knowledge to their parents, brothers
and sisters.

Utpal Sharma, Assistant director of Census department also present in the workshop.
All participants including 80 students and teachers received certificates from the
department.

PVYWA observes foundation day

ITANAGAR, Feb 19: The Pakke Valley Youth Welfare Association (PVYWA) observed its
foundation day at Pakke Kessang Helipad ground, East Kameng district on February
11 last.

During the celebration, the foundation stone for its office building was laid by
the chief guest.

Farmers exposure visit conducted

PASIGHAT, Feb 19: Krishi Vigyan Kendra East Siang, College of Horticulture & Forestry,
Central Agricultural University, Pasighat organized 3 days Exposure cum Training
Programme for 10 farmers from Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur at Directorate of Rapseed
and Mustard Research, Bharatpur, Rajasthan during February 13 to 15. The 5 farmers
were from Miram and Sikatode Village of East Siang district, Arunachal Pradesh. During
the programme the farmers were imparted Training on different aspects of Mustard
and Rapseed and also visited Research Farm and experimental cum seed production Farm
of DRMR.

ITANAGAR, Feb 19: As part of implementation of Rajiv Gandhi Scheme for Empowerment
of Adolescent Girls (RGSEAG)-SABLA, urban ICDS project organized a one-day workshop
at Tourism Conference Hall here on February 14. A total of 80 Adolescent Girls from
various AWCs under the Project area attended the programme.

Attending the workshop, the Joint Director, Women and Child Development Department
T P Loyi, while appreciating the ICDS Project for organizing the workshop, suggested
all the adolescent Girls (AGs) attending the workshop to avail the benefit of the
workshop. She also asked Fields Functionaries of the project to be dutiful towards
their duties and responsibilities to implement the various programmes of the department
effectively.

S C Tok, CDPO of the Project outlined the objective of the scheme and said that considering
the inconsistency meted out to the women folk the ministry of WCD had taken up various
welfare programmes among which SABLA is one. Tok sought cooperation of all stakeholders
for its effective implementation.

In the afternoon, an exposure trips for the AGs to the office of the Arunachal
Pradesh State Commission for Women (APSCW), Women Police Station and the Post Office,
Itanagar was conducted.

NewsImpact

State cabinet nod for hike in workers’ wages, power to Municipal Councils

ITANAGAR, Feb 19: “My government is alive to the problems of working class so a number
of welfare measures have been initiated to address their concern” asserted Chief
Minister Nabam Tuki after formally inking the proposal of enhancement of minimum
wages for unskilled, semi skilled and skilled workers of state today.

The proposal had got a positive nod in the state cabinet held on February 18 last.
Under the enhanced rate of wages the unskilled workers who used to get Rs. 80 per
day in area –I, shall now get Rs 150 per day while area -II category workers who
used to get Rs 90 per day shall get Rs. 170 per day. Likewise the semi skilled workers
whose earlier wage was 85 in 1st area will now be paid 160 while 2nd area workers
under this category shall be paid 180 per day. Similarly, the wages for skilled got
a quantum leap from 90 to 170 in area -1 and 100 to 190 in area-2.

In a landmark decision by the state cabinet, additional powers to Municipal Councils
in form of imposition of civic charges has been devolved. With the transfer of this
function and power, all total 14 functions out of 18 enlisted in the 12th Schedule
of the Constitution of India have been devolved to the urban local bodies. “Remaining
functions shall be devolved in a phased manner” stated the chief minister.

In order to ensure rural participation, the cabinet approved transfer of operation
and maintenance of intra village component of Rural water supply scheme to the Gram
Panchayat through village water and sanitation committee.

Apart from this, few bills were approved to be moved in the ensuing budget session
of Legislative Assembly in March next, which included Arunachal Pradesh Building
(lease, rent and eviction) control bill 2014, Arunachal Pradesh Urban Local Authorities
(Prohibition of Defection) bill 2014, and introduction of horticulture produce marketing
and processing board bill 2014, informed Government Spokesman Nabam Rebia in a press
statement.

Tuki inaugurates helipad

ITANAGAR, Feb 19: The names of Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Nabam Tuki and Speaker
Wanglin Lowangdong will be etched in the history of Borduria village and Tirap district
for ever for introducing air connectivity to Borduria village which was hitherto
a distant dream.

The helipad perched on the top of the village amidst serene surroundings and breathtaking
landscapes will not only caters it’s services to the people of Borduria alone but
to all the peripheral villages during emergency situations.

The Chief Minister inaugurated the new helipad, the government higher secondary school
and the Paang [Boys’ Dormitory] today amidst a huge applause.

Speaking on the historic occasion, Tuki regretted that he could not land at Borduria
on 16th February due to inclement weather. He appreciated the quality of work maintained
by the executing agencies while creating the three important assets.

The Chief Minister told the huge gathering that his government was according top
priority to the development of the youths of the state by trying to provide them
with job opportunities adding that many boys and girls of Tirap-Changlang-Longding
districts had been absorbed in Police under a MHA central package. He said that
a number of infrastructures would be created in these districts under MHA shortly.
The Chief Minister said that many youths had been selected through a Job Mela conducted
through out the state who were now undergoing skill development trainings at different
places. Tuki told the people that his government had embarked on an ambitious plan
to provide employment opportunities to atleast one lakh youths.

The Chief Minister emphatically said that without proper education no place could
make any progress adding that his government was addressing the pressing problems
of the educational institutions very seriously. He said that under CM’s talent search
schemes, the meritorious students who scored 60% and above had been awarded laptops
and urged the people to take maximum benefit out of the beneficial schemes launched
by his government. The Chief Minister was full of praise for the local MLA and Speaker
Wanglin Lowangdong for initiating a number of beneficial and path-breaking development
schemes in his constituency. He also said that Lowangdong as the Speaker brought
laurels to the state by managing the affairs of the Assembly very efficiently.

While replying to the public memoranda submitted by various villages and organizations,
the Chief Minister assured to look into the genuine grievances as per feasibility
adding that he was alive to the water scarcity problem faced by Borduria and nearby
villages and re-iterated his commitment to sanction sufficient funds to solve the
problem. He asked the concerned department to prepare a DPR at the earliest. Tuki
also announced a number sops for Borduria and nearby villages amidst claps and cheers.
The Chief Minister assured to address the grievances of the LDCs grade pay enhancement
on priority. He later released a Nocte Hymn Book written by the Don Bosco, Borduria.

Speaker Lowangdong in his speech profusely thanked the Chief Minister for his august
visit to Borduria and hoped that the grievances submitted to him by the people would
be addressed by the Chief Minister with all seriousness. While highlighting the problems
of the 57-Borduria-Bogapani Constituency, Lowangdong said that with the abundant
blessings of the Chief Minister and hardwork of the people, the constituency would
catch up with the other more developed places in the state. Lowangdong further said
that he was working with a clear mind and heart adding that he was ready to travel
the proverbial extra mile to usher in unprecedented development for the people of
his constituency. He sought the willing co-operation of all the people without whose
active participation nothing worthwhile could be achieved. Tirap ZPC Chawang Lowang,
Chief of Kaimai K. Lowang and senior public leader T Tongluk also spoke on the occasion.

The function was attended by Political Secretary to CM Bamang Tago, APCC Secretary
C. Hondik, APCC Vice President Padi Hinda, HoDs, Chiefs, GBs, PRI leaders and students
and teachers. The students of various schools also presented an attractive cultural
programmes to mark the occasion.

Stage all set for the statehood day celebration

ITANAGAR, Feb 19: The stage has been set up for the grand celebration of the Statehood
Day 2014 and Festival of Arunachal.

Altogether 109 exhibition stalls and 51 food stalls representing the different cuisine
of the state is also set up. The Chief Minister along with a host of dignitaries
and the Chairman of the Organizing Committee Dani Sulu and Deputy Commissioner Mige
Kamki had visited I G Park to oversee the last minute preparation and to ensure that
the day stands up to its name. The Organizing Chairman’s office is also operating
from the park and facilitation centre has also been set up for any kind of information.

During the three days event, cultural programmes by school children, artists of the
state as well as from the NE region would be held. The major highlight of the day
would be the Job Mela which will give a chance to unemployed youths of the state
to enroll themselves with different Vocational Training Providers. Besides many other
attractions, Aaj ka Arunachal, a documentary film would also be screened during the
festival. The State Awards to the awardees which was announced earlier during the
Republic Day Celebrations 2014 and Independence Day Celebrations 2013 will be presented.
DIPRO

The freedom to pursue the truth

Ranju Dodum

Much has been said about the recent shut down of media houses in the state in many
forums among various social circles. While several people sided with one point of
view or the other, a miniscule minority chose the left-of-centre path by not praising
either the media for taking a stand on an important issue or by criticising the trend
of intimidation that is endemic in the state regardless of who is doing it for whatever
reasons. This minority instead took to taking digs at everyone. In that way they
are a lucky lot because when a person or an entity chooses to take a stand for something
without stooping to making personal attacks, they often lose that luxury to sound
clever by trying to send out an aura of false intellectualism.

The episode also caused many to feel that the press was being stubborn but it is
important to state in clear terms that if the press stood its ground as sternly as
it did, it was because it was important to do so. Here we are reminded of the words
of wise men who often said “If you don’t stand for something, you will fall for anything”.

Now that the situation seems to have passed, to deliberate upon an imagined standoff
seems futile. At the very onset it must be clarified that the reason why one need
not speak of a standoff is because there never was a standoff between the media and
any group to begin with. The almost weeklong impasse was actually a result of a fight
for an idea; one that is enshrined in the pages of the Constitution of India. It
just so happened that yesterday there was one particular organisation that was on
the other side of the fence and tomorrow it may be someone else. To repeat, our fight
never was and never will be with anyone other than the enemies of freedom.

However, it would be wrong to say that there are no lessons for the press to be learnt
from the entire episode. It would be further incorrect to proclaim that the media
houses could not have handled things in a different manner. But this view is a luxury
that is provided to all of us in hindsight. While the merit of the decision to shut
down offices can be questioned, in the same breath it must also be asked as to what
does one do when repeatedly pushed into a corner? After all, when a balloon is blown
beyond its limit, it is bound to burst.

The past week was a difficult and arduous one for all stakeholders of the state;
more so for those within the press fraternity who are currently feeling slightly
disillusioned by the fact that the so-called ‘friends of the press’ were not as vocal
in their support as was expected. While many went on smear campaigns against the
press in social media outlets, some of whom are people of rather “high profile”,
it saddened many that voices in support for the press were quite subtle and mostly
subdued. But that sadness arouse from the weight of expectations of relentless and
unprecedented support. Perhaps in an ideal world such support would have poured in.
However, the lack of support was a stark reminder that we don’t live in an ideal
world, we live in Arunachal Pradesh. The sensibilities and realities of our state
are different. It is because of this that true journalistic work- involving investigative
work- does not get done in the truest sense. It is because media houses lack the
human resources to run around and pursue stories that press releases have become
a mainstay of newspapers. It is because we are part of such a close-knit society
where everyone is connected to each other that extra caution must be exercised when
penning down every single word, lest someone gets offended even when all that is
being offered is the truth.

Here in our state, the idealism of pursuing the truth has little value because the
truth can have many versions and depends entirely on who is telling it. But just
because we don’t live in an ideal world does not mean we stop in our pursuit to turn
it into one. And that idealism again can only be achieved if the truth is allowed
to be pursued. As the former US president Franklin D Roosevelt best put it, “The
truth is found when men are free to pursue it”. It is only this freedom that we seek,
nothing more. (The writer is General Secretary of Arunachal Press Club)

The visit was necessitated following recent reports in a section of electronic media
based in Assam that people from Arunachal Pradesh are encroaching land belonging
to Assam, said the JACBA, AITF and GWS in a joint press release.

During interactions and field verifications with the local villagers of the Kangku
circle, it has been observed that the alleged encroachments are stage-managed with
ulterior motives in gross violation of the status quo as directed by Supreme Court.
“Such mischievous reports by the fourth pillar of democracy in connivance with a
section of Assam Govt. administration, police and forest officials have posed serious
threats to peaceful coexistence of people of the sisterly states,” the release said.
Since the ground situation is getting serious especially with the deployment of Assam
Police forces at Uli village, the Arunachal Pradesh Govt must immediately rush its
police forces or engage other para-military forces at the three border villages in
order to prevent any untoward incident which may destroy the atmosphere of peace
and tranquility in those border areas, the visiting team observed.

The team further observed that provocations by Assam based vested interests had created
tension in all the bordering areas especially after the visit of the three-member
Local Boundary Commission in November last. The visiting team also called upon the
people to maintain restraint and let peace prevail while the law of the land takes
its own course.

Nyokum Yullo celebration

Pertin inaugurates food stall

Correspondent

NIRJULI, Feb 19: Arunachal Pradesh is organic by default and that is why our local
cuisines are organic, mostly boiled without any adulterated spices, which has kept
the local denizens healthy, said trade and commerce director Tokong Pertin.

Inaugurating the food stall as part of the Nyokum Yullo celebration here today, Pertin
exhorted the locals not to be swayed by modern dishes but maintain the special food
habit that has made them unique. The food stall will be open for eight days.

Local MLA Techi Kaso, who was the guest of honour, declared the volleyball tourney
open.

“Games and sports are in our blood. That is why our Arunachalees of late have been
winning national and global laurels in various sports events,” he said in his address.

The state government led by Chief Minister Nabam Tuki has adopted a landmark sports
policy for providing a platform to the hidden talents to showcase heir potentials
to the world, he added.

Councillor and celebration committee chairman Tarh Nachung extended Nyokum greetings
to all, saying the festival is an occasion to appease the gods and goddesses, particularly
mother earth, to best the humanity with bumper crops and keep them healthy from any
diseases.

All the trainees, resource persons, parents and guardians of trainees and general
public took part in the concluding ceremony of the training programme which aimed
at making the trainees fit for further training at New Delhi and subsequent placement
in reputed companies.

Speaking at the valedictory function, Sharada Prasad, Principal Advisor to CM, spoke
about the skill training and job placement programme and encouraged the trainees
to be disciplined and hardworking and to face the training with courage and enthusiasm.
Sharada Prasad also informed the students about the measures the Arunachal Pradesh
Govt has taken for the safety of the Arunachalee students, post Nido Tania-incident.

Subu Tabin, Additional Director (Project) Department of Industries informed the students
that it is a serious training programme and the trainees must be committed to completing
the training and taking up jobs. Tabin impressed upon the trainees the commitment
the Department of Industries has to the training and its success.

Earlier during the day, Fr. C. D. Mathai, Parish Priest, Catholic Church, Itanagar,
spoke of the happiness that DBYC has in playing a role in this success story of the
Government. Fr. Mathai also expressed gratitude to the Government and the various
companies that has placed confidence in DBYC and its capability in imparting life-skills
to young people. The thirty four trainees have left for New Delhi for further training
and placement by SBJ Centre of Excellence. In the meantime DBYC has started the
process of registration for next batch of students for SBJ, MIE and IIWS on a first
come first served basis.

Earlier, the training started on 12th February at DBYC Residential Training Centre
Vivek Vihar, a mix of technical sessions on topics such as Learning to Live and Work
Together, Work Ethics, Values, Dealing with Hurt and Anger, Addictive Habits, Problems
Faced by Young People and practical sessions on Written and Spoken English, Interview
Handling, CV Preparation, Pubic Speaking and Group Activity taken by Athikho Kholi
George, Licha Pera, Julita Kamei and Fr. Cyriac was a preparation for life and employment
for the trainees.

Parliamentary secretary visits remote village

ITANAGAR, Feb 19: Parliamentary Secretary Planning and Industry Nabam Rebia and local
legislator recently visited Habia village under Papum Pare District. He was accompanied
by Deputy Commissioner Tayi Kaye, Additional Deputy Commissioner B. J. Duia, all
HoDs, Zilla Parishad Members, Anchal Chairpersons and other public leaders. He inspected
the newly constructed road linkage from Pakke-Kesang in East Kameng to Habia Village
in Papum Pare District.

While interacting with the residents of Habia and its adjoining villagers Rebia congratulated
them on having a new road communication in their village and said that opening up
of road connectivity to their village will set in new phase of life and development
of the area.

He further informed the people that being local legislator he always ensure to work
for the benefit and welfare of its people and bringing all round development in the
district has always been his top priority.

Rebia also added that road connectivity will help in augmentation of better facilities
and infrastructural development which will be helpful in improving the living condition
and economic status of the residents.

While responding to the demand of the people of Habia, Rebia assured them to fulfill
their demand in a phase wise manner which includes additional teacher for Primary
School, power supply, water supply and posting of medical staff etc. He also requested
all heads of department accompanying him to ensure to help the public Habia village
whenever they approach office for any official work.

Rebia also informed that roads connectivity from Basernallo will also be constructed
to connect Habia and its adjoining villages which will further help in mitigating
the geographical isolation of the area.

Calling the Habia’s natural vegetation an ideal place for rearing of Mithuns, Rebia
has instructed the District Veterinary Officer to work out the feasibility of setting
up a Mithun Rearing Farm in the area.

Deputy Commissioner Papum Pare Tayi Kaye also called upon the public to give proper
co-operation to the District administration in maintaining a good administration
for the benefit and welfare of the people.

Habia village is located in border fringe of East Kameng and Papum Pare District.
Village comprising of 10 to 12 households were earlier leading a life of isolation,
owing to the village’s unique geographical location. Due to inaccessibility people
used to foot march through narrow hilly forest foot tracks to reach mainland whenever
there is any medical emergencies or procuring other essential goods. With the Coming
up of road, villagers are hopeful that opening of road will open up new era in their
life. DIPRO

Provide basic amenities at Sibe: ANYA & ANSU

ITANAGAR, Feb 19: Lamenting the lack of government facilities at Sibe circle under
West Siang, the All Nyishi Youth Association and All Nyishi Students Union have urged
the state government to provide basic public amenities at the remote circle. The
absence of government facilities like medical, school and roads within Sibe circle
was highlighted during the first ever Nyishi social interaction and awareness campaign
held at Sibe circle under West Siang and organised by All West Siang Nyishi Youth
Association from Feb 10 to 12 last, stated a release. The Nika, Nguri, Dakpe, Daknyo,
Lomdak, Muri, Game, Suru and Likha clans inhabiting at Sibe circle, who had migrated
from Upper Subansiri participated in the social interaction and awareness campaign,
added the release.

Expressing its gratitude to Deputy Speaker Jomde Kena, ZPM Gensi and others of Sibe
and Gensi circle for their cooperation in organizing the programme, the release added
that ANYA members led by president Bamang Taji and ANSU members led by president
Sikka Gapak attended the programme.

DDMA conducts disaster management programme

BOMDILA, Feb 19: A day-long training programme on Disaster Management was organized
at Buddha Stadium, Bomdila by the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA).

Underscoring the importance of such training programmes ahead of the monsoon and
quoting “Prevention is better than cure”, MLA cum Parliamentary Secretary for HPD,
R T Khunjuju urged the plus six hundred participants to be in readiness for any eventuality
in the days to come. Prevention is better than cure, he quoted.

He also highlighted on the storm water drainage system constructed in and around
the township and expressed his optimism that it would serve as a lifeline in case
of heavy downpour during the monsoon.

Appealing people to refrain from mindless earth-cutting and haphazard constructions,
Khunjuju said that most of the disasters are man-made – going against the law of
the nature and interest of mankind. He also expressed his displeasure over the unmindful
stacking of building materials alongside the roads leading to traffic congestion
and more importantly clogging the drains which at a certain point of time, might
prove to be the neglected spark, he concluded.

Earlier, Resource persons Associate Professors Dr. B N Jha & Dr. KC Mishra of Government
College Bomdila and G.Taga DIPRO, dealt at length on the various aspects of Disaster
and its management part with special thrust on flashfloods, landslides, flood, fire
accidents and on the DOs & DONTs.

DDMO Tongchin at the outset dealt on the need and participation of people from all
walks of life so as to have a firsthand knowledge of the issues and to deal with
it effectively.

Sub Fire Officer and his Fire Brigade unit of the District Police under the supervision
of ASP D. Jini orchestrated various Mock-Drills on Fire-fighting, ladder Rescue operation,
demonstration and use of various types of Extinguishers for the different classes
of fire, use of the Asbestos suit, demonstration on extinguishing Oil fire and also
of the Fire tender at work during emergencies. An exhibit of the Tools & Kits used
by the Fire Brigade was also put on display.

An essay writing competition was also held on February 6 last at DC’s Conference
Hall among the students of the various schools on Disaster & its management. The
winners of the Senior and Junior categories were awarded with certificates and cash
on the day of the training. Also, leaflets and pamphlets on Disaster management were
distributed to all the participants on the occasion. DIPRO

All the shopkeepers of the area came out with spade, shovel etc. and engaged themselves
in cleaning their surroundings. The NCC team helped in lifting the garbage to garbage
lifter vehicles of Urban Development, PWD and PHED. The main drain which remained
block for quit long time has been cleared by using fire tender vehicle.

Each and every stakeholder has in their capacity extended voluntarily contribution
to HBC like Medicine shop owners donated five pairs each of surgical gloves.

HBC’s social service secretary Radhe Tagia said that during rainy days the drainages
in market area would clog up with garages while in sunny day’s it will release foul
smell. So, it was necessary to clear the drainage on hygienic point of view.

Lower Subansiri deputy commissioner has contributed necessary assistance for conducting
the mass social service while superintendent of police has provided a fire tender
vehicle and department of UD, PHED & PWD one vehicle each, he added.

If everything goes smoothly, by end of this month India’s 29th state Telangaga will
become reality. Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Bill, which was passed by Lok Sabha
amid pandemonium, will now go to Rajya Sabha. If any amendments to the bill are passed,
it has to go again to Lok Sabha. Government will place the bill in Rajya Sabha on
Thursday after house was adjourned today.

With the passage of a bill in Lok Sabha, formation of a separate Telangana state
has almost become a reality. But there are still some formalities left to complete
the entire process. If all goes well, two states — Telangana and the residuary state
of Andhra Pradesh, will come into existence by month-end, say political observers.
While Telangana region is rejoicing over fulfillment of their long felt demand, the
Seemandhra region, meanwhile, erupted in protests against the centre's move. The
division of Andhra Pradesh has deeply divided people of Telangana and Seemandhra
region. Such has been intensity that some section of Seemandhra resident are talking
about separate Telegu desam(Telugu country). If government does not address the concerns
of Seemandhra region properly, it can have deep repercussion. The separation of Andhra
Pradesh should be handled carefully.

---- Readers Forum ----

Separate hostels won’t solve problem?

Dear Editor,

After recent racism related crimes in Delhi, the Delhi University and Bangalore University
has proposed to build separate hostels for north east students. Do you think this
is going to help in removing racism from the society? This will further alienate
us from them and vice-verse. This idea of separate hostel system may make us feel
secure only within our hostel campus, and what about when you go out? This idea will
restrict the students from mingling with each other.

The main problem is that mainland people have very little knowledge about our region.
Instead of building separate hostel these universities should adopt some other constructive
ideas to stop racism. The state govt. of our region and mainland should look for
a better option. They should ask these universities to have a student exchange programs
between the mainland universities and universities of our region. They should also
ask counterpart for compulsorily including a chapter about north east in the textbooks
of schools.

Yours,

D.Hania, Karnataka

Fourth Pillar being shaken

Dear Editor,

It was great relief to see local dailies hitting the newsstand today. For the last
few days everyone felt like living in Dark Age due to shutting down of newspaper
by Arunachal Press Club and Arunachal Pradesh Union of Working Journalist to protest
against repeated intimation to media houses by student unions. It’s unfortunate that
media bodies have to shut down their offices fearing attacks from goons. Well atleast
media bodies being private organization can shut down their house and escape attack,
but what about government departments?

It is known to everyone that government offices are constantly battered by various
unions and associations. As the famous March ending approaches, the threat and abuses
against govt. officers and official increases. Life becomes hell and no one can work
in such atmosphere. If fourth pillar of democracy is disturbed and not allowed to
work freely, then forget about other pillars. My sincere and honest appeal to these
so-called pressure groups of state is that please stop attacking hapless people.
If you all are really brave people, please go to Assam-Arunachal boundary and fight
for our people or else go to Tirap, Changlang and save our people from torturous
UG groups like NSCN. Remember there is a life beyond capital complex Itanagar. Lastly
I request press fraternities of state not to get disheartened by such incidents and
continue doing good work. Remember you all are our hope and therefore if you all
get disheartened, then nothing can save this state. God save Arunachal Media.

Yours,

Rosin Tare,

Naharlagun

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address. Do keep writing but please make sure that letters are short and to the point.